‘My two favourite Italian restaurants in Derbyshire’

Once upon a time in Derbyshire, the closest we got to Italian food was a Cornetto at the pictures on a Saturday night. Or, if we really pushed the boat out, we munched on garlic bread with spag bol and drank cheap red over checked-tablecloth kitchen tables. How cosmopolitan we thought we were, living the Italian dream! Some of us even ventured to Italian evening classes; others gave up and just added the letter ‘o’ to the end of a word.

One of my favourite restaurants in Derbyshire is Angelo’s at The New Inn, Milford. Angelo is charm personified; a top man with impeccable manners who makes every dining experience and every guest feel special. The menu (which does incidentally include garlic bread) has everything you would expect and more. One of the great things about Angelo’s is you can have smaller portions of many of the main courses as starters. You could, for example, have the mouthwatering lasagne or a pasta dish as a starter, followed by a £18.95 Spigola Al Vino Bianco (fillets of sea bass with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, white wine and asparagus tips). Crespoline (£6.95/£13.50) is perfect as a starter or a main (pancakes filled with spinach and ricotta cheese in a tomato and cream sauce, topped with parmesan cheese). The desserts are pretty special too and no Vienetta in sight. Gift vouchers can also be purchased if you are looking for a special present for someone, and if you really want to impress your friends at home, takeaways can be collected (25% off the menu price).
Angelo’s, New Inn, Hopping Hill, Milford, 01773 822338

Angelo’s at the New Inn

Continuing our Italian theme, another fabulous restaurant is Calabria Cucina Italiana & Caffe Bar in Chesterfield. Calabria has been recognised as a “local gem” in the Good Food Guide 2015. Owner Vittorio Risorto says his family-run restaurant is inspired by the cuisine and ethos of southern Italy where his family originates. Open daily, Calabria has teamed up with Chesterfield Theatres in providing an excellent pre-show menu.
Calabria, Glumangate, Chesterfield, 01246 559944

Calabria

Upcoming food events in our region include farmers’ markets in Wirksworth on June 6; Belper on June 13 and Matlock on June 20 (check out GFC’s events diary here). These are great events for buying and sampling local produce, as well as shopping the old fashioned way before supermarkets and fast food dominated the world.